A magistrate has imposed a $3000 fine and four-year driving ban on a Bendigo man who sped while evading police in an unregistered vehicle, without his P-plates displayed. James Gahan pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court this week to the three charges, including dangerous driving while being pursued. Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Karl Mannes told the court police saw the 42-year-old Gahan driving on Kirkwood Road in Eaglehawk on the afternoon of February 20. A VicRoads check revealed the vehicle was unregistered. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle about five minutes later, but it accelerated to an estimated 70 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on High Street and moved onto the wrong side of the road as it overtook other vehicles. Leading Senior Constable Mannes said there were many vehicles and pedestrians present at the time. Gahan was arrested later that month and denied trying to avoid the police interception. He told police he had left the vehicle with a friend. Gahan had a probationary licence at the time of the offending. The court heard Gahan was already serving an 18-month prison sentence, with a minimum of six months, for other driving offences.​ Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.

Bendigo man fined, loses licence after evading police

A magistrate has imposed a $3000 fine and four-year driving ban on a Bendigo man who sped while evading police in an unregistered vehicle, without his P-plates displayed.

James Gahan pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court this week to the three charges, including dangerous driving while being pursued.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Karl Mannes told the court police saw the 42-year-old Gahan driving on Kirkwood Road in Eaglehawk on the afternoon of February 20.

A VicRoads check revealed the vehicle was unregistered.

The officers attempted to stop the vehicle about five minutes later, but it accelerated to an estimated 70 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on High Street and moved onto the wrong side of the road as it overtook other vehicles.

Leading Senior Constable Mannes said there were many vehicles and pedestrians present at the time.

Gahan was arrested later that month and denied trying to avoid the police interception.

He told police he had left the vehicle with a friend.

Gahan had a probationary licence at the time of the offending.

The court heard Gahan was already serving an 18-month prison sentence, with a minimum of six months, for other driving offences.​

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.